Morris Township Reforms Rules Impacting Redevelopment

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Morris Township Committee passed seven land-use resolutions Wednesday that could impact redevelopment. The package codifies redevelopment policy and advocates for state-level reforms.

Morris Township, like many surrounding communities, has seen a large volume of commercial land-use applications. The proposed reforms at the state level would provide residents with more advanced notice and information on land-use proposals.

The committee passed the resolutions unanimously. The new policy includes a requirement for prospective redevelopers to provide concept plans for public review before township professionals begin drafting proposed redevelopment sites for the governing body's review.

The township will also now require information on proposals getting reviews from the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board to get posted on the township's website before a first hearing.

"We are not interested in kicking the can down the road when it comes to reforming the laws governing land use," said Deputy Mayor Mark Gyorfy. "By offering practical, local solutions to lawmakers in Trenton, we hope to further the cause of easing the burden of overdevelopment faced by residents in the Township and across the state.”

Here are the resolutions the township committee passed:

• Resolution 111-21: Codifies recent practices of the Township Committee to provide notice earlier and beyond legal statutory requirements governed by the state, provide additional documentation for residents to learn about proposals, hold final votes after the initial hearing, and establishes a drafted recommendation from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association to host a public information session before a redevelopment plan is introduced.
• Resolution 112-21: Requires Township professional staff to post planning information to the Township website in advance of a scheduled hearing before the Township Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.
• Resolution 113-21: Advocates that state lawmakers expand the legal notice requirements for land use applications from 10 days to 21 days.
• Resolution 114-21: Advocates that state lawmakers in Trenton double the legal notice requirements for land use applications from 200 feet to 400 feet.
• Resolution 115-21: Advocates that state lawmakers amend certain land use statutes to provide an opportunity for municipalities to provide input on proposals in adjoining municipalities directly on their border.
• Resolution 116-21: Supports S3688, legislation introduced in the State Senate to provide an opportunity for municipalities to provide input on certain warehouse proposals in adjoining municipalities that are located directly on their border.
• Resolution 117-21: Advocates that state lawmakers restore a viable administrative remedy that municipalities can use in satisfaction of their constitutional obligations to provide affordable housing.

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